Zovirax (Acyclovir Sodium) - Summary

ZOVIRAX SUMMARY

ZOVIRAX is the brand name for acyclovir, a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpesviruses. ZOVIRAX Capsules, Tablets, and Suspension are formulations for oral administration.

Herpes Zoster Infections: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the acute treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).

Genital Herpes: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the treatment of initial episodes and the management of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.

Chickenpox: ZOVIRAX is indicated for the treatment of chickenpox (varicella).

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Media Articles Related to Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Epiphany Announces Positive Results From Its Phase 2b Trial In Shingles
Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today [2009.11.19]
Epiphany Biosciences announced results from its Phase 2b dose-ranging study of EPB-348 (valomaciclovir) in patients with shingles (herpes zoster) infection. The study's primary endpoint was non-inferiority of once-daily valomaciclovir compared to thrice-daily valacyclovir in terms of time to complete crusting of the shingles rash.

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Published Studies Related to Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Improvement in healing and reduction in HIV shedding with episodic acyclovir therapy as part of syndromic management among men: a randomized, controlled trial. [2009.10.01]
BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether episodic acyclovir will enhance ulcer healing if delivered at primary health care settings, because there is often a delay in treatment initiation... CONCLUSIONS: Addition of acyclovir to syndromic management will improve healing of genital ulcers and may potentially reduce HIV transmission in combination with other interventions.

Five-year follow-up on the effect of oral acyclovir after penetrating keratoplasty for herpetic keratitis. [2009.09]
PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term effect of oral acyclovir administered during the first 6 months after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for herpetic eye disease (HED)... CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that oral acyclovir prescribed during the first 6 months after PK for HED protects against clinically evident HED recurrences during the first 5 years following PK.

Impact of acyclovir on genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA, genital herpes simplex virus type 2 DNA, and ulcer healing among HIV-1-infected African women with herpes ulcers: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. [2009.07.15]
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the impact of episodic treatment of herpes on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)... CONCLUSION: Episodic therapy for herpes reduced the quantity of cervicovaginal HSV-2 DNA and slightly improved ulcer healing, but it did not decrease genital and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00158483 .

Valacyclovir and topical clobetasol gel for the episodic treatment of herpes labialis: a patient-initiated, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. [2009.03]
BACKGROUND: Treatment of herpes simplex labialis (HSL) has been associated with modest benefits. This difficulty results from the rapid resolution of the disease accomplished by the immune system, which narrows the window of therapeutic opportunity. The immune response is also responsible for important clinical manifestations, including oedema and pain. The dual role of immune responses (protection, pathology) is well recognized in other infectious diseases. The addition of corticosteroids to antimicrobial agents has been associated with improvement in some of these diseases. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the combination of oral valacyclovir plus topical clobetasol compared to placebo for recurrent HSL... CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study supports the addition of topical corticosteroids to an oral antiviral agent for the treatment of HSL. Larger studies need to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Double blind trial of adjunctive valacyclovir in individuals with schizophrenia who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus. [2009.02]
CONCLUSIONS: The study did not demonstrate benefit of adjunctive valacyclovir for schizophrenia individuals with persistent symptoms who are CMV seropositive.

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Clinical Trials Related to Zovirax (Acyclovir)

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study Comparing the Combination of 15% SP-303 Gel With Acyclovir Versus Acyclovir Alone for the Treatment of Recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections in Subjects With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) [Completed]
To evaluate the safety of topically applied SP-303 gel and to compare the efficacy of SP-303 gel in combination with acyclovir, relative to acyclovir alone, for the treatment of recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 infections, affecting the genital, perianal and neighboring areas, in patients with AIDS.

The Safety and Effectiveness of Zidovudine Plus Acyclovir in Patients With Early HIV Infection [Completed]
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study is designed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of concurrent oral Retrovir / Zovirax (AZT and ACV) therapy and oral AZT therapy alone, in the treatment of early symptomatic HIV infection. Efficacy will be evaluated by monitoring the incidence, severity, and time of development of opportunistic infections and other manifestations of advanced symptomatic HIV infection. The effects of the combination and single AZT therapy on immune function and viral replication will also be evaluated. Study participants will be monitored for evidence of toxicity or intolerance to concurrent AZT / ACV administration and AZT therapy alone.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acyclovir Among HIV and HSV-2 Co-Infected Women, Chiang Rai, Thailand [Completed]
Herpes infection is an important co-factor in HIV transmission. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that HSV infection contributed to a 2-fold increased risk of HIV transmission. Suppressive therapy with acyclovir has been a method proposed to reduce HIV transmission. We are conducting a randomized controlled cross-over trial to evaluate the effect of acyclovir suppressive therapy on HIV genital shedding in women co-infected with HIV-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) in Thailand.

Bioequivalence Study of Aciclovir 5% Cream in Japanese Healthy Volunteers [Recruiting]
This study is designed to show bioequivalence between Current and New formulation of Aciclovir cream 5% in keratin layer of the epidermis in Japanese Subjects

Comparison of Brovavir Versus Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpes in HIV-Infected Patients [Completed]
To compare the efficacy of oral sorivudine (brovavir) and oral acyclovir for the treatment of localized herpes zoster in HIV-infected patients.

HIV-infected patients are at high risk for herpesvirus infections, including varicella-zoster virus ( VZV ) infections, also called shingles. Acyclovir, an approved drug, is widely used to treat VZV infections in the HIV population. Since no data from controlled studies are available to define the role of antiviral therapy for VZV infections in HIV-infected patients, a study is needed to test the relative efficacy of brovavir, an experimental antiviral drug, versus that of acyclovir.

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PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Zovirax review by 58 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		herpes
Dosage & duration:		3 capsules daily taken every day for the period of 3 years
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		outbreaks were reduced from one every few months to one every few years
Side effects:		none that I am aware of
Comments:		just swallow one capsule three times per day

Zovirax review by 38 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		severe cold sores
Dosage & duration:		200mg taken 5 times per day for the period of 5 days
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Severe symptoms of cold sores around the mouth were reduced and cleared up within 5 days.
Side effects:		There didn't seem to be any noticeable side effects.
Comments:		Having suffered from recurrent severe cold sores in the past, I began taking 200mg five times a day once the onset of another attack became obvious. Instead of ending up with large and unsightly blisters and scabs, these were considerably reduced in size and the time it took to heal completely was also reduced.

Zovirax review by 46 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Cold sores/ herpes I
Dosage & duration:		1600 Mg per day taken 4 times per day (400mg tablets) for the period of over one yar
Other conditions:		kidney scarring, chronic anemia
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		For awhile it did prevent cold sores. Then I started having frequent chest pains as well as fainting spells. Now I'm finding out from an ER Physician and the Pharmacist I 1. should never have been prescribed this dosage (twice what should be prescribed in per day) and NO-ONE should take Acyclovir for this length of time either. I've been told this is the reason for my fainting spells, chest pain, low blood pressure problems, increased kidney (renal) damage, yeast infections and most recently a series of fungal infections.
Side effects:		fainting spells, chest pain, low blood pressure, further kidney damage, infections followed up with fungal infections. I now am taking 1000 mg of L-Lysiene (natural food store or grocery store) per day. It's extrememly low cost and it's very effective.
Comments:		I hope this information will help someone not go through what I've gone through. I don't have chest pain since I've quit using it after one week. I was never even given one liver functioning test on this at all and that is reccommended by the way. Good Luck and take care.